Cauterization

Definition and stakes

W. H. Harbaugh,  Special Report on Diseases of the Horse

“ If, however, the thickening of the growth fails to diminish, it should be treated with some of the iodin preparations in the form of ointments, pure or in combination with potassium, mercury, etc., of various strengths and in various proportions. My opinion of setons is not favorable, but the actual cautery, by deep and fine firing, in points—needle cauterization—I believe to be the best mode of treatment, and especially when applied early. ”
Source: Gutenberg

Sami Khalaf Hamarneh,  Drawings and Pharmacy in Al-Zahrawi's 10th-Century Surgical Treatise

“ Al-Zahrāwī gently refutes the superstition that cautery is "good only in springtime," and states that under the right conditions of the body’s humors it could be used in all seasons."17 Although he recommends cautery rather highly, he never minimizes the importance of treatment by drugs. Actually, he encourages the use of drugs, before, with, and after cauterization.18 For example, in chapter 16 on "the cauterization of eyelid when its hair grows reversedly into the eye," he recommends treatment by cautery and by medicine. ”
Source: Gutenberg

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